A conversation with Saiswaroopa Iyer who has won great acclaim for her novels inspired by leading women characters from the Mahābhārata and the Purānas.
The Mahakali aspect is also our inspiration of this ‘Book of the Month’ feature — a reading of ‘Abhaya’ by Saiswaroopa Iyer in the light of Sri Aurobindo.
Reading ‘Abhaya’ in the Light of Sri Aurobindo Read More »
What does it mean to be receptive? How to increase one’s receptivity to the Divine Force? Is Sri Aurobindo’s Force and the Mother’s Force which is essentially One Divine Force working only in the Ashram or for those who are turned to Them? How can we become receptive to the Divine’s healing force? And to creative inspiration? These and many other aspects are explored through various features, including our section on Divine Humour. An insightful conversation with an artist, excerpts from Barin Ghose’s book, a sweet story about a little girl’s love for Ganesha, and an essay from Sri Aurobindo Circle archives complete the issue.
Be Open Like a Flower and Receive the Light Read More »
We speak with artist Bindu Popli, who for the last 30 years has been immersed in creating art that comes from a place deep within her. For her, “painting is flowering, not making. The unknown world unfolds itself.”
Antaryatra: An Artist’s Journey Within (Video) Read More »
Aspiration is like an arrow, or like a flame rising upward. But it has to be tended, constantly rekindled. Its direction also needs to be reset when it tends to go here and there. It has to be purified so that no desire or demand gets mixed up with it. Its goal has to be kept in front, always. And what happens when it goes into hiding somewhere? How to light the fire again? And what about the Grace? Will Divine Grace help me rekindle my aspiration? These and many other questions have been explored in the variety of selections featured in this issue.
Aspire Intensely but Without Impatience Read More »
Dr. Aditi Kaul shares about her experience of working with college students on Indian approach to psychology. We also get some keen insights on the value of subtle influence of the teacher, and self-exploration as a pedagogical approach.
Indian Approach to Psychology: An Educator’s Experience and Insights (Video) Read More »
Without patience there is little hope of changing our nature. “But there is something else in the human being which is sincere and can be a force for the change.” (Sri Aurobindo)
Needed: A Great Patience and Steadfastness Read More »
Dr. Bhawana Badhe and Sushrut Badhe share with us the unique focus and pedagogy of Krishna’s Butter project, which introduces children and youth to the practical wisdom of Bhagavad Gita.
Krishna’s Butter: Taking Wisdom of Bhagavad Gita to Children and Youth (Video) Read More »
In addition to exploring Gratitude in a variety of hues, the issue also features pieces on the inner significance of Navaratri, the festival of Devi, and the cultural significance of Ramayana. Other highlights include a reflection on patriotism and leadership in the light of recent events in Afghanistan, and ‘The Real Gandhi’, an insightful essay approved by Sri Aurobindo.
A Deep, Intense, Constant and Total Gratitude Read More »
A deeply inspiring conversation with a three-member team from Bengaluru-based Creative School. Inspired by the Integral Education teachings of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo and other spiritual masters, this institution is described by its members as a conscious community and holistic school for children, parents and teachers.
A Creative Gurukul for a New Age (Video) Read More »
A wider view of Indian cultural forms suggests that Rām-kathā continues to thrive as an important influence despite the outer hybridity in Indian popular cultural landscape.
Rām-kathā, a Living Tradition of India Read More »
In India, since millennia, modesty or humility has been considered the one of the most noble virtues, one that is the ornament of all virtues. In present times when self-promotion is not only an acceptable practice but has actually become a highly sophisticated skill that one must master if one wants to be ‘successful’, humility often takes a backseat. But if we step back for a moment and reflect carefully we will find that it is exactly in times like these that we must sincerely begin to examine for ourselves what is true humility. And more importantly, how it is related to our inner journeys, our growth as conscious individuals with an aspiration to grow inwardly and walk the path that takes us closer to our highest Self within. This issue is dedicated to exploring Humility as one of the Twelve Powers which the Mother spoke of as necessary for the full manifestation of Her Work.
The Absolutely Perfect, the Absolutely Humble Divine Read More »
Mr. Madhu Jagdhish is a heritage photography enthusiast, with special interest in documenting the rich Indian heritage of temple sculptures. A thoughtful exposure to our culture’s artistic heritage and an overall development of aesthetic sensibility and artistic appreciation are important parts of any meaningful education. In the age of smartphones with photography becoming available at fingertips, it is important that youngsters interested in exploring photography as an art-form and a possible vocation are shown this possibility that photography can also become a great medium to go deeper into one’s cultural roots and in the process discover and reveal (for oneself and for others) the rich artistic and aesthetic traditions that we have inherited. In this regard, Mr. Jagdhish’s work makes a significant contribution.
The Art of Heritage Photography – A Conversation with Madhu Jagdhish (Video) Read More »
This special issue opens a year-long celebration of Sri Aurobindo’s 150th birthday and 75th anniversary of India’s political independence. Starting with this issue, the next 12 issues will explore the 12 attributes that the Mother has identified as soul-powers necessary for full manifestation of Her Work. The present issue explores Sincerity in a multi-dimensional approach. Special features on Sri Aurobindo’s work as a revolutionary nationalist are also included.
“All That is True and Sincere Will Always be Kept” Read More »
Our conversation with two educators takes us beyond the ordinary ideological and political debates that have plagued the discipline of Indian History and Historiography, and invites us to explore a more integral approach to learning and teaching of History.
Indian History in Indian Education: Beyond Ideologies and Politics (Video) Read More »
We explore two inter-related themes. One is Choice and Wisdom, related to which is the faculty of viveka, the intuitive discriminating reason which is developed by a purification of the organs of thought and knowledge. But all this is possible only by the grace of the Guru, which is our second theme for this issue.
Choose Wisely, Grow in Knowledge, Surrender to the Guru Read More »
This second part of the 2-part article highlights Sri Aurobindo’s insights on the ideal relation between a Guru and a disciple, and why the Indian spiritual tradition has always supported a diversity of teachings, paths and gurus.
Insights from Sri Aurobindo on Guru-Shishya Parampara – Part 2 Read More »
Read here some insights from Sri Aurobindo on the guru-shishya parampara focusing on why one needs a Guru and the true role or work of a Guru.
Insights from Sri Aurobindo on Guru-Shishya Parampara – Part 1 Read More »